Friday, November 23, 2012

Adverb placement



beginning of clause/sentence
usually, normally, often, frequently, sometimes and occasionally
NOT: always, ever, rarely, seldom and never*
Usually we see him at church.
Last night we went dancing.
end of the clause/sentence
usually, normally, often, frequently, sometimes and occasionally
NOT: always, ever, rarely, seldom and never*

adverbs of time: today, every week, finally, already, soon

adverbs of manner (how something is done): slowly, suddenly, badly, quietly
We’ve performed there occasionally.
Where did you eat yesterday?
All the bedrooms are upstairs.
Have you taken the TOEFL yet?
Have you eaten dinner already?

She sang that aria very well.
He drives competently.
middle of sentence
after BE verb

after auxiliary verb
before other verbs
adverbs of certainty: certainly, definitely, clearly, obviously, probably
They are definitely suited for each other.
They’ll probably arrive late.
He has apparently passed the class.
They obviously forgot to read the directions.



after BE verb
after auxiliary verbs
before other verbs



adverbs of frequency: never, rarely, sometimes, often. usually, always, ever









He is rarely morose.
We have never eaten Moroccan food.
He always takes flowers to his girlfriend.
She quite often invites people for Thanksgiving.
They almost never go to the theater.
after BE verb
after auxiliary verbs
before other verbs
focusing adverbs: even, only, also, mainly, just

adverbs of time: already, still, yet, finally, eventually, soon, last, just
He is only five years old.
We don’t even know his name.
We’ve already eaten dinner.
He also rents chainsaws.
I am finally ready.
He is still planning to go tonight.
We just finished painting the house.
after BE verb
after auxiliary verbs
before other verbs
adverbs of manner (how something is done): slowly, suddenly, badly, quietly
She is slowly finishing her PhD.
He has carefully gathered the evidence.
We methodically checked all the bags.

  • Always and never can begin imperative sentences.
  •  Never argue with the referee. Always wear your seatbelt.